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Your Mind and Media Manipulation—How to Protect Yourself

Your Mind and Media Manipulation—How to Protect Yourself

One of our goals at Come and Reason Ministries is to help you develop your own God-given ability to think, reason, and discern—to learn how to differentiate the true from the false. We want to help every human being to become mature individuals who, by constant use of their thinking and reasoning abilities to weigh through issues, “have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14 NIV84).

Every day, we are presented with opportunities to practice thinking, reasoning, and discerning.

This week (June 7, 2021), I received an email from the American Psychiatric Association News with the following headline dated June 4, 2021:

“Medical Students Often Perceive Lack of Respect for Diversity Among Faculty”

What are your thoughts about this headline? What message is it sending? What is the core idea it triggers in you? Does it suggest that there is a genuine problem with biased and insensitive faculty at medical schools? Or at least that most medical students perceive a lack of respect from their faculty?

Does the headline suggest that society must be terribly prejudiced if even trusted medical school faculty struggle to show respect to diverse students under their tutelage? Does it make you feel bad, sad, or threatened? Does it confirm a sense of victimhood—how the system just doesn’t get you or your friends and isn’t fair?

A Headline vs. the Reality

I decided to check out the article and dig into the actual evidence and basis for the headline. I was saddened but, given the way the media is manipulating society, not at all surprised to discover that in a survey of more than 28,000 medical students, only 17.7 percent felt that their faculty were disrespectful to diverse individuals. Yet the headline states this is “often” the case, and the article starts out by saying “nearly 18% of graduating medical students” feel this way.

Notice the way the facts (data) were presented. They were presented in such a way as to heighten the sense of disrespect—that is, to magnify the alleged problem. The article could have said, “82.3% of students did not experience feelings that their faculty lacked respect for diverse groups”—or “82.3%, the vast majority of students, experienced their faculty demonstrating positive role modeling by demonstrating respect and support for diverse people and groups.”

What do you think when the findings mean that 82.3% of the students don’t experience faculty being disrespectful to diverse individuals yet the data is presented as this is “often” the case?

Lest you think that the medical students are not themselves diverse, here are the stats on who makes up the recent medical students:

  • 50.5% Female
  • 54.6% White
  • 21.6% Asian
  • 8.0% Multi-racial
  • 6.2% African-American
  • 9.6% all others (American Indian, Islander, Unknown, non-US citizen)

Closely examining this article exposes the powerful mind manipulation happening in society today: data twisted and presented to magnify or promote problems that the vast majority of people do not experience.

There are facts—and there are interpretations of facts. Interpretations are not facts—they are merely the views, opinions, beliefs, and perspectives of whomever is advancing the viewpoint. The interpretations in this article provide eye-opening insight into the biases, prejudices and agenda of the one writing.

Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV). People reveal their own views and ideas by what they say and do. That’s why we need to have the discernment to differentiate what is being said in the news reports versus what’s actually happening. Is the media outlet giving us facts—or is it giving us an opinion, a biased perspective, or outright propaganda? (If you would like to read more about propaganda, read our blog on the power of lies).

Does the fact that 17.7% of students perceive a lack of respect from faculty toward diverse groups mean that there is an actual lack of respect, or could it also mean that 17.7% of the students have a perception problem, that they have their own biases, prejudices, and distortions—that they may be interpreting innocuous events, actions, and comments in ways that they assign disrespect even though none actually exist? Or could it be a combination of both? The article doesn’t ask these questions nor pursue the answers—but why? Instead, it appears that the authors are determined to lean in the direction of assuming that the problem is with the faculty, who need to improve their role modeling:

“Further studies are needed to assess the mediators of students’ perceptions of faculty respect for diversity and how these perceptions may more directly impact student well-being as well as to identify optimal interventions to improve role modeling of respect for diversity among faculty.”

According to the article, the optimal interventions need to be directed at the faculty. However, while I support each of us constantly doing our own introspection, seeking to identify where we need to grow to be more like Jesus in character—to love, respect, and seek the welfare of all people regardless of their differences from us—could it be that the optimal interventions in this case need to be directed at the media, the messaging, the educational systems, and the students, to present facts without spin, to teach critical reasoning skills, to allow for mature and open dialogue of various possible meanings?

Our goal at Come and Reason Ministries is not to tell you what to think, but to help you develop your own God-given reasoning ability so you can discern issues for yourself. Strength comes by exertion. So if you want stronger critical-reasoning ability, stop believing everything you hear in the news and start examining the evidences for yourself, comparing them with God’s Word, the design laws of our Creator, and how reality actually works to come to your own conclusions.

 

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Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA